Re: missing something
Quite. Buffering isn't caused by slow pipes, but network congestion.
Netflix runs an index so it can shame and then bully ISPs into cutting better deals:
http://m.theregister.co.uk/2014/10/28/netflix_and_us_giants_use_europe_digital_agenda_against_it/
If you cut a deal Netflix likes, your rating improves. Like magic!